UB's basketball coaches gave a preview of the upcoming season Nov. 4 at UB at Sunrise, the university's community breakfast series jointly produced by the UB Alumni Association, News Services, Publications and Office of Conferences and Special Events.

Women's coach Sal Buscaglia and men's coach Tim Cohane discussed their teams, their philosophies and their hopes for the NCAA playoffs at the breakfast program that drew about 80 people.

"We have one goal-to get to the NCAA tournament," said Buscaglia. "Everything we do is directed toward that."

Following two exhibition games Nov. 19 and 26 in Alumni Arena, the Royals will start their season Dec. 1 and 4 at the University of Hawaii. They will open at home Dec. 8 against Hampton University.

While he noted that the team already faces some challenges due to injury, Buscaglia has high hopes for the Royals. "We've got some tough injuries, but we've got quality people," he said, adding that he expects stand-out performances from junior Brenna Doty, named the conference's preseason player of the year; senior Melanie Vogel; and freshman Catherine Jacob, "a new player we're really excited about."

Buscaglia had high praise for the women's team, which has won 20 or more games in three of the last four seasons; members hold the highest GPA of all UB's athletic teams, with 10 of 13 players last year named to the dean's list or scholar-athlete designation.

He praised the team for the class they show on and off the courts and for their community service. Both men's and women's teams are involved in "Coaches Against Cancer," which raises funds by soliciting pledges for each three-point shot made during the season.

Buscaglia encouraged those attending UB at Sunrise to show their support of the Royals by attending games and encouraging the media to cover women's sports. "Give a call to (Channels) 2, 4 and 7," he said. "I did."

More than anything, the Royals need an audience, Buscaglia said. "Those ladies can play, but there's one thing missing-fans."

The Bulls have a very young team this year, noted men's coach Tim Cohane, "but be patient with them, they're going to be very good." Cohane also spoke at UB at Sunrise-following the team's 5:30 a.m. practice.

Giving a humorous presentation that linked his recruitment efforts to an alleged participation in the O.J. Simpson trial, Cohane kept his audience laughing while predicting great things for basketball in Buffalo. The Bulls have some good returning players in 6'7" Jamie Anderson; Rasaun Young, a 6'3" junior who last year was named Most Valuable Player in the league; and Mike Martinho, a 5'11" sophomore who broke the three-point shooting record for the school last year with a total of 63. The Bulls also have some height this year with the addition of Leonard Tangishaka, a 6'11" junior from Burundi, Africa.

"We're trying our best to revitalize basketball in the area," noted Cohane, who said to expect doubleheaders in 1996-97 in the new Marine Midland Arena pitting the Bulls against St. Bonaventure, Canisius and Niagara.

Men's basketball kicks off the 1995-96 season with exhibition games Nov. 10 and 16 in Alumni Arena. The Bulls open their home season Nov. 27 against Rutgers. The Bulls meet Cornell Dec. 9 at home, a game to be televised on the Empire Sports Network; and Niagara University Dec. 21. Last year the Bulls, with an 18-10 record won more games of any UB men's team in the last 30 years.